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Things to see in Macau

Tourist information: 

Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO)
12/F, Edificio Hot-Line
Alameda Dr Carlos d'Assumpçao 335-341
Tel: 2831 5566 or 2833 3000 (tourist hotline).
Website: www.macautourism.gov.mo

Other useful websites are: www.macauheritage.net and www.macau.gov.mo.

The MGTO produces an excellent range of English language maps, tourism brochures and walking tours. Its branch office at Senado Square (tel: 8397 1120) features an information office, gift store and internet access.

A-Ma Temple

This warren-like temple complex of stone pavilions, gardens, statues and Buddhist and Taoist shrines is dedicated to A-Ma, a sea goddess after whom Macau is named - facing the temple is A-Ma Gao (A-Ma's Bay). A pleasant and spiritual atmosphere is frequently punctured by the ear-splitting bursts of firecrackers to frighten away evil spirits accompanied by the pungent smell of scores of incense rings burning.

Admission Fees: No
Disabled Access: No
Unesco: Yes
Address: Rua de Barra and Rua de Sao Tiago de Barra, South Macau, Macao
Cotai Strip

The scale of Asia's answer to Las Vegas is astonishing. Sitting on a strip of reclaimed land linking the islands of Coloane and Taipa (hence the name), Cotai's highway features palm trees and stone statues depicting the Chinese animals of the zodiac. The first phase of the gaming and leisure opened in 2007, when the enormous Venetian Macao Resort (tel: 2882 8888; www.venetianmacao.com) integrated gaming, convention, shopping, dining and hotel resort unlocked its doors, followed by the City of Dreams hotel and casino complex. Planned or on their way are more casinos and resorts, a theatre and another half-dozen hotels. It's flashy and a mainlander must-see. At the Coloane end of the strip is the new 18-hole Caesars Golf Macau (tel: 2888 0123; www.harrahs.com/golf/macau-orient-golf).

Admission Fees: No
Disabled Access: Yes
Unesco: No
Address: Cotai, Macau, Macao
Guia Hill Fortress and Lighthouse

Built in 1637, the Guia Lighthouse is still functional. As well as guiding ships through Macanese waters, its high vantage point is also used to warn the city of impending typhoons. Note the faded frescoes inside the chapel building, which were uncovered during renovations. Nearby is a fascinating series of wartime bunkers cut into the hill and a small museum telling the stories of those who served here. A walking path encircles the hill offering views over the city and its bays, and there is also a cable car running down the hillside.

Admission Fees: No
Disabled Access: Yes
Unesco: No
Address: Estrada do Engenheiro Trigo, East Macau, Macao
Historic Centre of Macau

Ascribed UNESCO World Heritage status in 2005, the old city encompasses more than two dozen squares and historical buildings. The colonial buildings, markets and narrow cobblestone lanes combine the architectural drama of backstreet Porto and the bustling energy, smells and sounds of southern China. The ruined facade of the Church of St Paul can be found adjacent to the fascinating Macau Museum and the cannons of the Monte Fort. Walk southwest along Rua Central for the lion's share of the sights.

Admission Fees: No
Disabled Access: Yes
Unesco: Yes
Address: Central Macau, Macao
Lou Lim Ioc Garden

This cool and leafy garden contains huge shade trees, lotus ponds, golden bamboo groves, grottoes and a bridge with nine turns (since evil spirits can only move in straight lines). Local people use the park to practise tai chi or play traditional Chinese musical instruments. The renovated Victorian-style Lou Lim Ioc Garden Pavilion, which is in the centre of the pond and connected to the mainland by little bridges, is used for temporary exhibits.

Opening Times: Daily 0600-2100.
Admission Fees: No
Disabled Access: Yes
Unesco: No
Address: 10 Estrada de Adolfo de Loureiro, Northern Macau, Macao
Telephone: 8988 4178.
Macau Tower

At 338m (1,109ft), this TV tower dominating a chunk of reclaimed land linking man-made Sai Van and Nam Van lakes is the world's 10th tallest structure. The views of the Chinese mainland, and over Taipa Island towards Coloane, from the 61st-floor observation deck are spectacular. Adventure sports enthusiasts can skywalk the tower's perimeter or climb to its summit. The adjacent convention and entertainment centre includes cafés and shops.

Opening Times: Mon-Fri 1000-2100, Sat-Sun 0900-2100.
Admission Fees: Yes
Disabled Access: Yes
Unesco: No
Address: Largo da Torre de Macau, South Macau, Macao
Telephone: 2893 3339.
Website: www.macautower.com.mo
Museu de Macau

Macau's complex history is neatly chronicled in this excellent museum. The ground floor focuses on the maritime legacies of both China and Portugal and charts the discovery of the territory, and its emergence as a strategic trading port for commodities and foodstuffs. Look out for sections detailing the history of cricket fighting (which presaged Macau's gambling industry) and the once key firecracker industry, plus historic photos and images from the 1999 handover.

Opening Times: Tues-Sun 1000-1800.
Admission Fees: Yes (free on the 15th of each month)
Disabled Access: Yes
Unesco: No
Address: 1112 Praceta do Museu de Macau, Central Macau , Macao
Telephone: 2835 7911.
Website: www.macaumuseum.gov.mo
Senado Square

This photogenic Portuguese plaza features several stunning facades in pastel tones of tangerine and lime, plus the stone grey neo-classical Correios e Telegrafos - one of Asia's finest post office buildings. The architectural highlight is the magnificent Leal Senado municipal chambers, replete with arched courtyards, blue and white patterned azulejo tiles and the lovely Senate Library. Other eye-catching edifices are the Holy House of Mercy and the splendid Church of St Dominic.

Admission Fees: No
Disabled Access: Yes
Unesco: Yes
Address: Senado Square, off Avenida Almeida Ribeiro, Central Macau, Macao
Taipa House Museum

Taipa's most beautiful attraction, this museum occupies five lime-green colonial villas facing the water. They were built in 1921 by wealthy Macanese as summer residences and three of them contain exhibits related to the regions of Portugal, Macanese culture and the history and development of Taipa and Coloane. The two houses to the east of where Avenida da Praia meets Rua do Supico are used for receptions and special exhibitions.

Opening Times: Tues-Sun 1000-1800.
Admission Fees: Yes (free on Tues)
Disabled Access: Yes
Unesco: No
Address: Avenida da Praia, Taipa, Macau, Macao
Telephone: 2882 7103.
Website: www.iacm.gov.mo/museum
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